Sweet-Hot Salsa Verde

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Cuisine: Mexican

Sweet-hot salsa verde features tangy tomatillos, spicy jalapenos, and fresh herbs, perfect for adding vibrant flavor to Mexican-inspired dishes or as a lively dip.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. tomatillos
  • 1/2 medium red onion
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 3 jalapeno chili peppers stemmed
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh sage leaves or a small pinch of rubbed sage

Instructions

  1. Peel the husks off the tomatillos.
  2. Rinse tomatillos and place in a saucepan large enough to hold them in one layer.
  3. Add water to cover the tomatillos.
  4. Bring to a boil and simmer until they are soft to the touch, about 5 minutes.
  5. Drain and reserve the cooking liquid.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter salsa, consider adding a diced mango or pineapple to the mix. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapenos or substitute with milder peppers like poblano. Fresh lime juice can also brighten the flavors. Remember to finely chop the cilantro and sage for an even distribution of flavor throughout the salsa.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet-Hot Salsa Verde is perfect served with tortilla chips or as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with I Love This Guacamole for a festive appetizer spread. Consider serving alongside Black Bean Quesadillas for a hearty meal or use it as a zesty dressing for a taco salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover salsa verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in small portions in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet-Hot Salsa Verde contains roughly 371 calories, with 19g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (410% of the Daily Value), iron (181% of the Daily Value), and calcium (87% of the Daily Value). At about 371 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.

371 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.6g 37% DV
Total Fat 11.7g 15% DV
Carbs 62.8g 23% DV
Fiber 18.3g 66% DV
Sugar 9.3g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 287.2mg 12% DV
Potassium 3074.6mg 65% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 255.7mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 368.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 1135.2mg 87% DV
Iron 32.6mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salsa verde ahead of time?

Yes, this salsa verde can be made a day in advance. The flavors will meld together and improve overnight in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What can I use if I can't find tomatillos?

If tomatillos are unavailable, you can substitute with green tomatoes, though the flavor will differ slightly. For a similar tartness, add a squeeze of lime juice to balance the sweetness.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To adjust the spice level, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos or use fewer peppers. Alternatively, adding a little honey can help balance the heat if it becomes too intense.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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